Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Utica, NY: $75,209 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Utica, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $75,209/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Utica's price premium (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $81,151 in average-cost America. The 22% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, senior physical therapist assistants in Utica, New York, have the potential to earn a robust salary, with top earners reaching as high as $75,209. This impressive figure highlights the significant gap that exists between the median annual salary of $61,607 and the highest earnings for experienced professionals in the region. The competitive nature of the field rewards those who invest in their education and clinical skills, particularly as they pursue advanced credentials and specialize in areas such as orthopedic rehabilitation or geriatric care. To achieve these exceptional salary levels, experienced PTAs must excel in patient outcomes and display strong leadership within their healthcare teams, which is essential for career advancement in this dynamic job market.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Utica
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Utica earn between $68,439 and $75,209 per year (2026 est.). This $32,011 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Utica median of $61,607 sits 12.3% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Utica | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $61,607 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,439 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $75,209 | $91,954 |
In Utica, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 22.08% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Utica
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $61,607 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Utica employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Utica command premium compensation, often reaching the $68,439–$75,209 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Utica metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapist assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapist assistants in Utica with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapist Assistants in New York who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Utica
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedUtica ranks #27 of 39 New York cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $75,209).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Utica ($75,209) is 13.28% below the New York average P90 ($86,726).
2019 BLS Actual
$62,220
2025 BLS Actual
$73,210
2026 Current Est.
$75,209
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Utica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,560 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,890 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,410 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,790 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,209 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,262 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Utica saw their compensation grow 17.7% from $62,220 in 2019 to $73,210 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.73% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $77,262 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Utica metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Assistant Earnings in Utica
Factors influencing compensation for experienced physical therapist assistants in Utica reflect a diverse array of specializations and employer settings. Certain areas of expertise, such as sports medicine, home health, and skilled nursing facility rehabilitation, command a premium, allowing practitioners to negotiate higher salaries. Compensation also varies significantly based on where one works—outpatient orthopedic clinics often provide higher pay than skilled nursing facilities due to the latter's reduced reimbursement rates from Medicare, particularly after the 15% cut implemented in 2022. For those aspiring to advance their careers further, pathways such as becoming a lead PTA, participating in a PTA-to-DPT bridge program, or taking on a supervisory role can enhance earning potential. Additionally, obtaining advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can set candidates apart in a competitive field, making immediate skills relevant as they navigate salary discussions within various healthcare settings across NY.
More salary data for Utica, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Utica in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Utica?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Utica?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Utica?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Utica?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $73,210 for physical therapist assistants in the Utica metro area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov